That's when Alabama becomes the 38th state with a law banning texting and driving.

The online community quickly split on the law's value and enforceability with some commenters voicing support with as little as one word. Others expressed strong opposition, and not a few displayed a penchant for serving as 'roadway lawyers' by setting up test cases sure to challenge both traffic officers and the wisdom of Solomon. Read some of what people are saying:

• "good" -- alabama-chipmunk

GOT A QUESTION?

If you've got questions about the new texting and driving law, ask them today at 1 p.m.during the Driver's Side Live Chat with guest Alabama State Trooper Sgt. Steve Jarrett.

• "I have a program on my phone that allows me to dictate a text message, who to send it to, and send it, all by voice command. Some newer cars also have this feature.

"What will allow a police officer to differentiate between my situation and someone typing a text message? Is there a difference under this law? What I mean by that question, is the act of sending a text the illegal part no matter how it is sent, or is it typing and sending a text manually on your phone that is illegal? This law is going to need a lot of clarification.

• "I'm thinking that this is one of those "well meaning but difficult to enforce" laws that will likely end in some ridiculous legal battle that will cost the state thousands of dollars to defend against." -- fuzzyeagle

• " You will see an increase an automobile wrecks because of this law. People will put their phones in their laps and look down to text and read texts." -- scootrkeg

• "Scenario: My work phone rings, while I'm driving in my work van. I pick it up, see it's not someone I need to talk to, hang it up, and put it down. To someone beside me that looked like I was texting. That someone happens to be a cop. Now.. I'm getting stopped because I was supposely texting and driving. I can either pay the fine, or I can lose in court and pay the fine and court costs... Because people -rarely- win in traffic court...... " -- Chuck Burns Jr.

• "My children are highly disruptive and distracting. I have to break up fights, DJ, hand out drinks, take drinks back that they have finished, hand out snacks and discuss whatever might be on their minds at the time. We should probably have a law against driving with children. I'm sure you would find there are more accidents due to these distractions versus texting while driving. If you watch any of the interviews on the local news, they state that 120 drivers died last year due to distracted driving and half of those were due to texting. Glad the state spent money to construct a bill and have it passed into law to potentially save 60 people per year. Way to go Governor Dr. Bentley! " -- lizlemon

• "I think the texting ban should be limited to the inexperienced drivers. Many drivers are very good at multitasking. Mom's are distracted by young children in the car all the time. You can't really ban children from the car with their parents." -- Jennifer_Keller